[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
[December 18, 2006]
[Pages 2201-2202]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah
December 18, 2006

    Thank you all very much. Welcome to the White House. I'm pleased you 
all could join us. I appreciate members of my Cabinet who have joined 
us: Secretary Michael Chertoff, Ambassador 
Susan Schwab, and Chief of Staff Joshua 
Bolten.
    Tonight is the fourth night of Hanukkah, a holiday which 
commemorates a victory for freedom and the courage and faith that made 
it possible. Laura and I are honored to have this 
Hanukkah menorah here at the White House. It's a symbol that the White 
House is the people's house, and it belongs to Americans of all faiths.
    The story of Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle. More than 2,000 
years ago, the land of ancient Israel was conquered, its most sacred 
temple was desecrated, and Jews were forbidden to practice their faith. 
A patriot named Judah Maccabee and his followers took a stand for 
freedom and rose up against their oppressors to take back Jerusalem.
    When the Maccabees returned to reclaim their holy temple, the oil 
that should have lasted only one day burned for 8. That miraculous light 
brought hope. And today, by lighting the menorah, Jews around the world 
celebrate the victory of light over darkness and give thanks for the 
presence of a just and loving God.
    We're honored to have a beautiful menorah here from Lisa and Alan Stern of Los Angeles. 
The ceramic plaques around the base feature biblical scenes of the 
Hanukkah story. And between the menorah branches are painted doves, 
which represent the eternal wish for peace.
    I want to thank Ariel Cohen and her family 
for being here. Ariel, you did a wonderful job of saying the Hanukkah 
blessings and lighting the candles. I also thank the Indiana 
University's Hillel HooShir Choir for your wonderful performance. We're 
really glad you came. Thanks for coming.
    On Hanukkah, we're especially mindful of the sacrifices that freedom 
requires. Our Nation is grateful to the men and women of every faith who 
serve our country in uniform and who are away from their families this 
holiday. We pray for them and their families, and we pray that those who 
still live in the darkness of tyranny will someday see the light of 
freedom.
    The word ``Hanukkah'' means dedication, and the message of Hanukkah 
calls on us to dedicate ourselves to recognizing the miracles in our 
daily lives. This dedication has the power to lift our souls and to make 
us better people and to make the world a better place.
    Laura and I wish all the people of the Jewish 
faith around the world a Happy Hanukkah, and thank you all for coming.

Note: The President spoke at 5:36 p.m. in the Bookseller's Area at the 
White House.

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